Lake Woodruff Refuge opens the St. Johns marsh near De Leon Springs
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge spans Volusia and Lake counties, with its main public approach near De Leon Springs.
Lake Woodruff is one of those places that makes inland Central Florida feel watery.
The refuge spans Volusia and Lake counties, with its main public approach near De Leon Springs and the St. Johns River along its western side. It covers about 22,000 acres of marsh, swamp, creeks, hammocks, and uplands. That mix is why a short visit can feel much bigger than the map looks: the refuge points you toward birds, water, and the slow river country that runs through Central Florida.
Lake Woodruff was established in 1964 as a migratory bird refuge. That history still fits the place. The draw is not one big overlook or one famous animal. It is the chance to slow down around levees, water edges, open sky, and seasonal changes.
Plan the visit like a refuge visit, not like a city park stop. Check the current U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service page before going. Look for trail status, fishing details, hunting notices, water levels, sun, insects, bathrooms, and any closure that could change the day.
Where to see it
Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge near De Leon Springs in Volusia County. Check U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for current trail access, fishing details, hunting notices, water levels, bugs, and refuge rules before going.
Explore the area
Nearby and related places
Sources
Last checked against these sources: July 27, 2026.
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